Apprentice Technician (Mechanical Engineering)

We have a fantastic opportunity to join the University of Oxford as an Apprentice Mechanical Engineering Technician in the Physics department and play a part in developing a better future for all.

You will have the unique opportunity to work in a department specialising in a very broad range of topics including space exploration, finding cures for human diseases and building one of the world’s first functioning quantum computers to name only a few. You will join our highly skilled mechanical engineering team working with hi-spec engineering machines and be part of the world leading Physics department.

Your role will be varied and you will be trained in a range of Mechanical technician disciplines, including machining, fitting and cryogenic systems both in the workshop and on site. You will work with and provide support to the workshops for the purpose of building the mechanical parts for larger particle physics detectors Astrophysics telescope instruments and in house laboratory experiments.  You will be learning by working on traditional handcrafts of fitting and building devices as well as new modern CNC machines.

As part of this role, you will undertake an Apprenticeship with Abingdon and Witney College, where you will complete a Level 2 Engineering Operative and the Level 3 Engineering Fitter.

For this apprenticeship, you will work at the Physics department in Central Oxford. As part of your apprenticeship, you will be required to attend Abingdon and Witney College's Abingdon campus. In year one of your Level 2 apprenticeship, you will need to attend Abingdon two days a week. For the first two years of the level 3 apprenticeship, you will attend Abingdon one day a week. In total it will take four years to complete all elements of the apprenticeship, with support from the Department, University, and College throughout.

It will take four and a half years to complete your apprenticeship.

Becoming an Apprentice at the University of Oxford is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience and training. For more information visit:

You will be passionate about starting your career in mechanical or design engineering and ideally have an interest in Science. You will also be excited about the opportunity about becoming an apprentice at the University of Oxford and you may be starting your career or looking for a career change.

To complete the level 2 and then the level 3 apprenticeship, it is essential that you will be able to evidence passes at 9-4 or A*-C in GCSE  Maths and English.

Please note that the Training Provider is required to assess your current ability in Maths and English as part of the application process, even if you already have your English and maths qualifications.

Our apprentices are never on their own, you will benefit from a supportive environment working in collaboration with the rest of our committed team of 21 staff in the Mechanical Engineering group. You will also be supported by the central apprenticeship team and you will join our growing network of apprentices within the university. You will have the opportunity to become an apprenticeship ambassador for the University and region.

We will provide you with a welcoming and inclusive workplace, offering support and development opportunities that will enable you to progress and do your best work. We recognise diversity as our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, and we aspire to build a truly diverse community, which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution.

Over 80% of our apprentices continue with us in the role they have been trained for after their Apprenticeship and that is just the start of their career.

You will receive 38 days’ annual leave inclusive of Bank Holiday and fixed closure dates, discounted travel, an excellent contributory pension scheme, and student discount. You will also be part of the University’s annual apprenticeship awards.

Contact us

If you would like further information or support in your application please contact:

•       Mike Tacon – Recruiting Manager -  [email protected]

•       Jane Phipps – Abingdon and Witney College – [email protected]

Application Process

Only applications received before noon on 8 April 2024 can be considered.

How to Apply- To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below and quote the vacancy number 171715 in the apprenticeship areas of interest.

If you have previously applied for the university talent pool, there is no need to re-apply as your application will be considered for this role.